The war on sugary food and drinks has begun, with New York City officials seeking a ban on sale of big sodas and Disney banning commercials for junk food on its shows and websites.

Concern over how much sugar Americans eat and drink has been growing as obesity rates have climbed. More than one in three American adults are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In Massachusetts, the obesity rate was below 10 percent in 1991, and in 2010 it was 23 percent.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (a Medford native) recently announced a plan to ban large sugary drinks – sodas, coffee and other sugary drinks – larger than 16 ounces. The ban would apply to restaurants, movie theaters and even Yankee Stadium. It would not impact grocery stores and convenience stores.

This week, Disney announced that it will stop running ads "junk food" on its television and radio shows and Websites for kids. Beginning in 2015, Disney will not allow commercials for foods high in sugar, sodium and high in calories. According to an Associated Press article the ban goes beyond candy bars and fast-food meals, and includes cereal with 10 grams or more of suger per serving, meals with more than 600 calories and items like Capri Sun juice (too much sugar) and Oscar Mayer Lunchables (high sodium).

What do you think about the steps being taken to combat obesity, and reduce the sugar and junk food consumed by Americans?

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